Overview
Barstow WRF serves approximately 25,850 people in San Bernardino County, California. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater facilities.
Barstow WRF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It serves a population of approximately 25,850, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category for US inland plants. The facility is situated in the Mojave Desert region, characterized by arid climate and limited surface water resources. As a US wastewater treatment plant, Barstow WRF operates under the regulatory framework of the Clean Water Act, administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency and likely permitted through the California State Water Resources Control Board. Its operational status and discharge volume are also unrecorded. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges to a local wash or dry creek bed that feeds into the Mojave River system, which ultimately drains into the Mojave Desert sink. The receiving water body supports limited aquatic life adapted to intermittent flows. Downstream, the watershed contributes to regional groundwater recharge, which is critical for desert ecosystems and local water supplies.
Environmental context
Barstow WRF is located in the Mojave Desert, where water resources are scarce. The plant's discharge likely enters a local wash that feeds into the Mojave River, an ephemeral stream that flows intermittently to the Mojave Desert sink. This watershed supports specialized desert riparian habitats and provides critical groundwater recharge for the region. The arid climate means that treated wastewater can be a significant source of water for local ecosystems, making treatment quality important for protecting downstream aquatic life and vegetation.
Frequently asked questions
Barstow WRF is located in San Bernardino County, California, United States, in the Mojave Desert region.
Barstow WRF serves approximately 25,850 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment plant.
The plant likely discharges treated effluent to a local wash or dry creek bed that feeds into the Mojave River system, which flows intermittently to the Mojave Desert sink.
Barstow WRF operates under the US Clean Water Act, with permits likely issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. The Act requires secondary treatment for municipal plants of this scale.
For plants serving around 25,000 people, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. This typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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